Reflective medical markers and methods of manufacture
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of attaching a reflective foil to a hemisphere, the method comprising:
- a) attaching a hemisphere to a rotating support, such as a mandrel;
b) rotating the hemisphere;
c) applying a quantity of between 1 to 3 drops of organic solvent to the hemisphere;
d) rubbing the organic solvent upon the hemisphere using a pad of microphorous silicone rubber and continuing such rubbing until the hemisphere achieves a lower coefficient of friction as compared to the hemisphere'"'"'s condition prior to rubbing;
e) placing the hemisphere under an foil marker application device; and
f) using hot gas under pressure to heat and soften a marking foil material and to blow the marking foil material off of the application device and to deform the marking foil material to fit upon the hemisphere.
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Abstract
Identical plastic hemispheres are first treated with organic solvent, which is smeared by a pillow of microporous silicon rubber to achieve a slippery surface upon the hemispheres. The slippery surface upon the hemispheres may comprise a layer of melted plastic. Hemispheres are then placed under an application chamber, where hot gas under pressure softens, deforms and transports a sheet of marker foil over the hemisphere. Two hemispheres are then joined together by use of asymmetric voids and a clip pin inserted, while under compression, into the hemispheres.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method of attaching a reflective foil to a hemisphere, the method comprising:
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a) attaching a hemisphere to a rotating support, such as a mandrel; b) rotating the hemisphere; c) applying a quantity of between 1 to 3 drops of organic solvent to the hemisphere; d) rubbing the organic solvent upon the hemisphere using a pad of microphorous silicone rubber and continuing such rubbing until the hemisphere achieves a lower coefficient of friction as compared to the hemisphere'"'"'s condition prior to rubbing; e) placing the hemisphere under an foil marker application device; and f) using hot gas under pressure to heat and soften a marking foil material and to blow the marking foil material off of the application device and to deform the marking foil material to fit upon the hemisphere. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A reflective marker comprising:
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a) top hemispheres and a bottom hemisphere, the two hemispheres each rubbed with an organic solvent by use of a pillow of microporous silicone rubber until the surface of the two hemispheres have a lower coefficient of friction; b) each of the two hemispheres having a reflective coating comprising a reflective foil applied to the two hemispheres by use of hot and compressed gas used to soften, deform and transport the reflective foil to the two hemispheres; c) the two hemispheres being trimmed of any excess reflective foil; d) the two hemispheres having asymmetric voids such that the bottom hemisphere has a larger void and the top hemisphere has a more narrow void; e) a snap pin, attaching the two hemispheres by use of the two hemispheres, asymmetric voids; and f) the snap pin having a center void. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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Specification